The extended finite element method(XFEM) presented in recent years is a new and effective method for discontinuity analysis

especially fracture problem analyses.The basic XFEM principle is introduced and the technique for fracture analysis is presented.The fracturing process of a gravity dam is simulated by XFEM

and the rules of stresses and displacements distribution are analyzed.Compared with the classical finite element method

the crack growth in the gravity dam can be modeled by XFEM without making the crack surface associate with the finite element mesh and setting dense mesh near the crack tip as well as remeshing after crack growth.The cumbersome work and disadvantages in conducting fracturing analysis by the finite element method thus can be avoided.The predominance of this method for dam fracturing analysis is displayed.